Uttalanden från israeliska utrikesministeriet

MFA Israel

MFA response to EU decision regarding product labeling
Israel condemns the decision of the European Union to label Israeli products originating from areas that are under Israeli control since 1967. We regret that the EU has chosen, for political reasons, to take such an exceptional and discriminatory step, inspired by the boycott movement, particularly at this time, when Israel is confronting a wave of terrorism targeting any and all of its citizens.

It is puzzling and even irritating that the EU chooses to apply a double standard concerning Israel, while ignoring that there are over 200 other territorial disputes worldwide, including those occurring within the EU or on its doorstep. The claim that this is a technical matter is cynical and baseless.

Product labeling does not advance any political process between Israel and the Palestinians. The opposite is the case - it is bound to reinforce the PA’s refusal to conduct direct negotiations with Israel, negotiations that the EU claims to support. Product labeling will strengthen the radical elements advocating a boycott against Israel and denying Israel’s right to exist, contradicting positions that the EU publicly opposes. This recent step raises questions regarding the role that the EU aspires to play. It may also have implications for Israel-EU relations.

Behind the Headlines: EU labeling guidelines
 "...Whereas the upcoming labeling guidelines are presented by the EU as a purely "technical measure" designed to protect European consumers, there is no doubt that the main purpose of the measure is to exert political pressure upon Israel. As the preparation of the labeling guidelines has been pending for more than three years, the recent steps beg the question why the EU decided that it should be done now.

These measures are discriminatory in nature. It is intolerable that Israel is the only country that has been singled out by the EU for such a policy, despite the fact that there are over 200 disputed territories worldwide..."

Netanyahu: The European Union should be ashamed of itself (Jerusalem Post)

 "...Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the European Union should be ashamed of itself for approving new guidelines on Wednesday for labeling products made in territories that Israel captured during the 1967 Six Day War.

The areas that will be subject to the new labeling guidelines are the West Bank, east Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights.  

The Prime Minister joined both coalition and opposition members of Knesset in criticizing the decision. 

"The EU decision is hypocritical and creates a double standard that only addresses Israel and not the 200 other conflicts that exist around the world," a prepared statement released by Netanyahu read.

"The EU has decided to only mark Israel and we are not prepared to accept that Europe is singling out the side that is being attacked by terror," he added.."